Olympus SZ-11 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus SZ-11 versus Pentax K-5 IIs, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ-11 (14MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is relatively comparable but the SZ-11 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) possess different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-11 was announced 22 months before the K-5 IIs which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SZ-11 matches up versus the K-5 IIs for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-11 & Pentax K-5 IIs. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-11 comes with exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 IIs has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-11 versus Pentax K-5 IIs in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-11 versus the K-5 IIs.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-11 and K-5 IIs is 89 and 60 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes merely by seeing technical specs. The pic underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-11 and K-5 IIs.

As you have seen, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-11 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-5 IIs will show greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged SZ-11 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.